Narayanpal Temple
by Jitendra Nakka
by Jitendra Nakka
Chhattisgarh
is full of surprises. As we know occupied by majority of the tribes,
this land always tells about some of the interesting stories of the
folks, but along with the tribes, there were some great dynasties also
who contributed a lot to the history of Chhattisgarh like the dynasties
of Cholas, Chalukyas, Nagwanshis , kaktiyas etc.
In
the area of Bastar division, still the remains of devastated monoliths (
Bhairamgarh), Wrecked and devastated temple series of Bhairamgrah,
Barsur, Chitrakote, Dantewara, Kuruspal tells that once there was a well
civilized golden age in Bastar. Likewise one such important temple is
the temple of NARAYANPAL.
Fig: Narayanpal Vishnu Temple Photograph by: Jitendra Nakka
When and how to reach?
The temple of Narayanpal is on the North-west of the
Divisional and District head Quarter of Bastar i.e Jagdalpur and lies on
the famous Chitrakote Road, near the confluence of River Indravati and
River Narangi.It is nearly 37 km away from jagdalpur.
For reaching upto here, we have travel on Chitrakote road
upto Lohandiguda, from where we can see a pool or bridge constructed on
river Indravati. Crossing the bridge and travelling again just upto 2 km
more, we can reach this village. As the bridge is quite high ( no need
to worry for rains), and the village being directly connected from
Chitrakote road, it is easily reachable all over the year.
Fig: Geographic location of Narayanpal Village (by the courtesy of www.mapsofindia.com)
Many hotels are available at Jagdalpur with a good lodging
and boarding facilities, and some of them even provide tour packages
also. So in that sense it may be a great deal for you. Some of the good
hotels are Hotel Akash, Hotel Akanksha, Hotel Rainbow , Hotel Ganapati
resort, Hotel Naman Bastar etc.
For
the comfort of tourists, Chhattisgarh touris Board has made some
beautiful motels and hotels on Chitrakote waterfall, which is just 5 km
away from this temple.
Fig: Narayanpal Vishnu Temple Photograph by: Jitendra Nakka
Historical Importance:
It is believed that this divine temple has been established by the Queen Gund-Mahadevi, wife of Dharavarhsa Jagdek Bhushan, Chhindak Nagwanshi Dynasty ruler of around 11th century A.D.
But here there is one contradiction also, according to other
belief this magnificent temple has been established by the mother of Nagwanshi ruler Someshwar, around 12th century A.D.
Fig: Narayanpal Vishnu Temple Photograph by: Jitendra Nakka
Archeological Importance:
There is still the need of more research work on this area
of Chhattisgarh, as it lacks enough amount of historical information to
bring a clear picture. The Archeological Survey of India
has taken an initiative to excavate the nearby area of the bank of
river Indravati in order to acquire more information about the area.
This temple is now under the care of Archeological Survey of India and is a centrally protected monument by ASI, Raipur circle.
Fig:Notice Board Photograph by: Jitendra Nakka
Religious Importance:
It
is one of the most important temple of Bastar region, as it is the one
of the rarest example of Lord Vishnu temple in Bastar. Local people
celebrate a kind of festival (called ‘jatra’ ) and local fair is also
held on, at the time of beginning of the year.
Fig: Narayanpal Vishnu Temple Photograph by: Jitendra Nakka
Art and Sculpture:
Situated on the bank of confluence of river Indravati and
river Narangi(which is a tributary of Indravati), this temple is an
exotic example of the Nagawanshi Art and Sculpture. The temple consists
of two chambers, in which the first chamber is meant for offering
prayers and the second chamber is Garbha-Griha, where the divine ancient
idol of Lord Vishnu is centrally placed.
The temple from outside gives an artistic example of
symmetry of the designs on the either walls of the temple. The roof of
the Garbh-Griha shows an example of dome-shaped high roofs, which
probably resembles like the temple construction style of Orissa.
Fig: Narayanpal Vishnu Temple Photograph by: Jitendra Nakka
This beautiful temple is an artistic example of construction
of temple over a stage formation, where the stage is about 1 meter of
height.
Fig: Narayanpal Vishnu Temple Photograph by: Jitendra Nakka
Conclusion:
Being
in the laps of Holy River Indravati and famous Chitrakote Waterfalls,
this village has got a god gifted unique natural beauty which is doubled
by the presence of this ancient monument. So if you wanna see an exotic
example of one of the rarest example of Lord Vishnu temple, do visit
NARAYANPAL.
Want to know more about Chhattisgarh,read my post on famous Bastar Dusherra and famous Danteshwari Temple of Chhattisgarh...
Do like and +1 post along with your valuable comments this will keep me motivated....
Want to know more about Chhattisgarh,read my post on famous Bastar Dusherra and famous Danteshwari Temple of Chhattisgarh...
Do like and +1 post along with your valuable comments this will keep me motivated....
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